Michael Ring
Question:139 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided for a nursing home for the elderly in Ballinrobe, County Mayo. [31134/01]
Written Answers. - Nursing Home Subventions.
The Western Health Board accepts the need to build a community nursing unit in Ballinrobe and I concur with that view. The estimated total cost of site acquisition and construction is approximately £3.0 million, 3.81 million. Decisions in relation to the prioritisation of funding for projects within the overall allocation available under the national development plan are a matter for each health board in the first instance. On the case of the proposed community nursing unit at Ballinrobe, the Western Health Board was of the view that other capital projects warranted a higher priority and the necessary funding is not, therefore, available under the national development plan. I am, in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, currently exploring alternative options for funding developments such as that proposed at Ballinrobe.